Your surgeon for Gynecomastia
Every procedure is carried out by a consultant-level surgeon.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue - the gland under the nipple and, in many men, the fat around it. It is driven by a hormonal change, puberty, ageing, obesity, some medicines or anabolic steroids, and it can affect one side or both. It is common and it is not dangerous, but in adults it very rarely settles on its own.
It is why the chest stays uncomfortable: the tissue is tender, a shirt rubs against it, and men stop swimming, going to the gym or wearing a fitted shirt. The physical part is mild; the self-consciousness is what most men come in about.
Diagnosis is made by an examination that tells gland tissue from fat, with blood tests for hormones, thyroid, liver and kidney function, and an ultrasound when the examination is not clear.
At Primitive Health Care the usual treatment is laser gynecomastia surgery. One tiny cut is made at the edge of the areola, laser-assisted liposuction removes the fat and the firm gland is removed through the same opening, so there is no long scar across the chest. It takes 1 to 2 hours and most patients go home the same day.
Illustration only. Your surgeon will explain your own findings.
Gynecomastia treatment at a glance
The essentials, before you read any further.
| Condition | Gynecomastia |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Excision with laser-assisted liposuction |
| Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Performed by | Senior Surgeon |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Hospital stay | Same day discharge in most cases |
| Back to routine | 2 to 5 days |
Are you experiencing any of these?
If two or more of these sound familiar, it is worth speaking to a surgeon.
- A firm lump under the nipple or areola
- Tenderness or pain in the chest
- A chest that looks enlarged or uneven
- Discomfort when a shirt rubs against the chest
- Shyness about the chest - avoiding the gym or a fitted shirt
- Growth on one side only, or on both sides
Talk to our medical adviser for free
No cost for the first consultation and no obligation to book anything.
Laser treatment compared with open surgery
Both are real options. This is how they differ in practice.
| Open surgery | Laser surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts and incisions | A long cut across the chest | One tiny cut at the edge of the areola |
| Stitches | Many stitches along the cut | A few fine stitches, often none |
| Pain afterwards | Significant, needs strong painkillers | Mild, controlled with routine medication |
| Bleeding | More | Minimal |
| Hospital stay | Two to three days | Same day discharge in most cases |
| Return to work | Two to three weeks | Two to five days |
| Scarring | A visible scar across the chest | Minimal, hidden at the edge of the areola |
Laser treatment is not right for every patient or every grade of the condition. Your surgeon will tell you honestly if open surgery is the better choice for you.
Why patients choose laser treatment
What actually changes for you, day to day.
Tiny scar only
The cut sits at the edge of the areola, where the colour of the skin changes, so the scar blends in.
Same-day discharge
Most patients go home within a few hours of the procedure rather than staying two to three days.
Back to work in days
Light daily routine usually resumes within two to five days instead of two to three weeks.
Less bleeding
The laser seals the small vessels as it works, so blood loss during the procedure is minimal.
Lower infection risk
A tiny incision carries much less risk of a wound infection than a long cut across the chest.
Senior surgeons
Every procedure is performed by a professor-level surgeon.
What happens on the day
Step by step, so there are no surprises.
-
Consultation and diagnosis
20 to 30 minutes- You meet the surgeon and describe what you have noticed
- An examination tells gland tissue from fat and rules out other causes
- Blood tests, and an ultrasound when needed, confirm the diagnosis
-
Admission and preparation
1 to 2 hours- Registration at the hospital on the day of the procedure
- Blood pressure, pulse and routine blood tests are checked
- Consent is signed and an IV line is started
-
Anaesthesia
10 to 15 minutes- General anaesthesia, so you stay asleep throughout
- You feel nothing during the procedure
-
The laser procedure
1 to 2 hours- One tiny cut is made at the edge of the areola
- Laser-assisted liposuction removes the fatty tissue
- The firm glandular tissue under the nipple is removed
- The chest is smoothed and the cut is closed with fine stitches
-
Recovery and observation
2 to 4 hours- You wake up in the recovery area and nurses check your vitals
- A light compression garment is fitted to limit swelling
- You start taking fluids once you are fully awake
-
Discharge and follow-up
Same day- Most patients go home the same day
- Painkillers, the compression garment and early-walking advice are given
- A follow-up visit is arranged and scar care advice is given
What will it cost?
The cost depends on how much tissue has to be removed, whether liposuction is also needed, the hospital you choose and the operating surgeon. Send your details and a care coordinator will call you with an exact figure. There is no obligation to book.
